Meaning and Christian Practice of Impartiality for SS 1

Impartiality

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of impartiality;
2. discuss the equality of humans before God;
3. explain the warning against partiality;
4. discuss the ‘Golden Rule”;
5. outline the negative effects of partiality in society.

Memory Verse

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (James 2:1 KJV)

Bible Reading

The principal Bible passages supporting this lesson include:

1. James 2:1-13
2. Matthew 7:12
3. Luke 6:31

Meaning of Impartiality

Impartiality is the quality of being fair and just, treating all people equally without favouritism or discrimination.

It means making decisions or acting towards others based on objective facts and principles, rather than on personal feelings, biases, or external factors like wealth, status, tribe, or appearance. An impartial person does not show preference to one group or individual over another.

Equality of Humans Before God

The Christian faith teaches that all human beings are created in the image of God and are therefore equal in His sight. God does not show favouritism or partiality based on human distinctions.

This principle is clearly stated in several scriptures:

1. Acts 10:34-35: Peter declared, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” This means God accepts people from all backgrounds who fear Him and do what is right.
2. Romans 2:11: “For there is no respect of persons with God.” This verse reinforces the idea that God treats everyone justly, regardless of their social standing, ethnicity, or any other human classification.
3. Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” This highlights that in Christ, all social, ethnic, and gender distinctions that might lead to partiality are removed, and believers are united as equals.

God’s love and salvation are offered to all people, rich or poor, powerful or weak, from any tribe or nation. This divine impartiality serves as a model for how believers should treat one another and all humanity.

Warning Against Partiality (James 2:1-13)

The Apostle James strongly warns against partiality within the Christian community. He uses a vivid example to illustrate the sinfulness of showing favouritism:

1. The Scenario (James 2:2-4): James describes a situation where two people enter a church assembly. One is a wealthy man, dressed in fine clothing and wearing gold rings. The other is a poor man, dressed in shabby clothes. The wealthy man is given a place of honour, perhaps a comfortable seat, while the poor man is told to stand or sit on the floor. James condemns this action, stating that those who do this have become judges with evil thoughts.
2. Violation of God’s Law (James 2:5-7): James reminds believers that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of His kingdom. He points out the irony that the very rich people they are favouring are often the ones who oppress them and drag them into court.
3. The Royal Law (James 2:8-11): James introduces the “royal law” found in scripture: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” He explains that showing partiality is a sin because it violates this fundamental law. If a person keeps all other laws but shows partiality, they are guilty of breaking the entire law, just as breaking one commandment makes a person a lawbreaker.
4. Judgment Without Mercy (James 2:12-13): James concludes by urging believers to speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. He warns that judgment will be without mercy to those who have shown no mercy. However, mercy triumphs over judgment. This implies that showing mercy and impartiality is crucial for receiving mercy from God.

James’s warning is clear: partiality is a serious sin that contradicts the nature of God and the core principles of Christian love and justice. It creates division, injustice, and undermines the unity of the body of Christ.

The “Golden Rule” (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31)

The “Golden Rule” is a fundamental ethical principle taught by Jesus Christ, which perfectly encapsulates the essence of impartiality and loving one’s neighbour.

The Golden Rule states:

1. Matthew 7:12: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
2. Luke 6:31: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

This rule encourages individuals to treat others with the same respect, kindness, and fairness that they themselves would wish to receive. It demands empathy and a shift in perspective, moving away from self-interest to considering the well-being of others.

The Golden Rule is a powerful guide for impartial living because it requires a person to put themselves in another’s shoes. If one would not want to be discriminated against, cheated, or treated unfairly, then they should not treat others in such ways. It promotes a standard of universal justice and love, ensuring that actions towards others are guided by a desire for their good, just as one desires good for oneself.

Negative Effects of Partiality in Society

Partiality, when practiced in families, communities, workplaces, or government, leads to many negative consequences that undermine peace, justice, and progress. Some of these effects include:

1. Injustice and Unfairness: Partiality leads to unfair decisions, where people are judged or treated based on who they are rather than what is right or wrong. This results in innocent people suffering and guilty people escaping consequences.
2. Corruption: Favouritism often fuels corruption, where positions, contracts, or resources are given to friends, family, or those who offer bribes, instead of to the most qualified or deserving individuals.
3. Disunity and Conflict: When some individuals or groups are consistently favoured over others, it creates resentment, jealousy, and division. This can lead to conflicts, protests, and a breakdown of social cohesion within families, communities, and even nations.
4. Lack of Trust: Partiality erodes trust in leaders, institutions, and systems. People lose faith in the fairness of the justice system, government, or even religious bodies if they perceive that decisions are biased.
5. Reduced Productivity and Development: In workplaces or government, partiality can lead to the appointment of unqualified individuals to important roles, hindering efficiency and progress. Talented and hardworking people may become demotivated if they see that hard work is not rewarded fairly.
6. Discrimination and Marginalisation: Partiality often results in the discrimination and marginalisation of certain groups based on tribe, religion, gender, social status, or physical appearance. This denies them opportunities and basic rights.
7. Moral Decay: The practice of partiality normalises unethical behaviour and lowers moral standards in society. It teaches younger generations that success depends on connections and favouritism rather than merit and integrity.